University scholarships funded by the Andrews Labor Government for a groundbreaking graduate certificate are elevating crime prevention in the community.
Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines recently awarded the scholarships for Australia’s first graduate certificate in Crime Prevention to recipients at a ceremony at Victoria University’s city campus.
The Labor Government is providing the scholarships as part of its Crime Prevention Strategy, supporting the community to upskill in key crime prevention practice and knowledge.
Designed by Victoria University in partnership with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the four-unit course will allow students to gain an understanding of key research and effective, evidence-based crime prevention strategies, as well as developing expertise in planning, implementation and evaluation.
The course is the first qualification of its kind to be offered in Australia and is designed to build the skills of people working in the community and strengthen the impact of crime prevention initiatives across the state.
The program will provide flexibility to accommodate students’ employment and other commitments, with part-time and hybrid online and class-based learning options available.
The three recipients, Elizabeth Johnson, a road and community safety officer, Imagen Ellis, a community safety officer and Amanda Thomas, a family services program support manager will use the skills they gain to further develop their careers in public safety.
Students who complete the course can also choose to continue their studies to gain a Master of Criminology qualification.
The Labor Government has invested more than $90 million in crime prevention initiatives since 2015, supporting almost 950 projects that increase community safety and confidence across Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines
“This landmark course will allow students to gain knowledge and expertise in this important area, and ultimately undertake work that makes Victoria a safer place to live, work and thrive.”
As stated by Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Our continued investment in higher education is creating opportunities like these so people can have a chance to develop expertise and have a real impact in their communities.”
As stated by Associate Professor Darryl Coulthard, Acting Dean for the College of Law and Justice, Victoria University
“Victoria University is proud to offer this landmark course which makes an important contribution to crime prevention and demonstrates Victoria University’s commitment to courses that will improve our community.”
